Creatures of Ice and Sky: Exploring the Wildlife of the Arctic and Antarctic
At first glance, the Arctic and Antarctic might seem like barren frozen deserts; vast, white, and lifeless (though to be fair, for some of us, that’s exactly the appeal). But step a little closer, and you’ll discover that these icy realms are teeming with life. From mighty polar bears stalking Arctic ice to penguins chattering in the Antarctic sun, the poles are proof that even the harshest environments can be full of wonder.
For travelers drawn to wild places, few destinations capture the imagination quite like the ends of the Earth. The landscapes are humbling, the wildlife unforgettable, and the sense of connection not just to nature but to something much bigger than ourselves is unlike anywhere else.
This week, we’re diving into the wildlife you picture when you think of the poles, the creatures you might not expect, the conservation challenges they face, and how you can see them for yourself — responsibly.
The Arctic: Life on the Edge
The Arctic circles the top of our world, spanning Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia. It’s a region of extremes (my kind of place, tbh); months of endless light followed by months of endless night, and yet life here has found remarkable ways to thrive.
🐻 Da Bears
The polar bear is the undisputed king of the Arctic. Watching one pad across the ice, nose to the wind, is an experience few ever forget. These powerful hunters depend on sea ice to reach their prey (mostly seals) and are often spotted in places like Svalbard, northern Canada, or coastal Alaska.
While polar bears reign over the Arctic ice, Alaska’s brown bears (often called grizzlies) rule the rugged coasts and river valleys farther south. These massive omnivores can weigh over 1,000 pounds and are best known for their summer salmon feasts - one of nature’s most thrilling spectacles.
Places like Katmai National Park and Lake Clark National Park are world-famous for bear viewing, where you can watch these incredible animals fish, play, and spar just a few yards away (from safe, regulated viewing platforms, of course). Late June through early September is prime time, when the salmon runs are strongest and bears are most active.
Brown bears might not be “polar” in the strictest sense, but they’re part of the same northern ecosystem, making them a reminder of how abundant and diverse wildlife is across Alaska’s wild landscapes. (Pro Tip - Princess Cruises in particular have some excellent cruisetours that take you right to the action in Katmai!)
🐋Da Whales
Below the surface, the Arctic Ocean and its surrounding seas are alive with whales during the short but productive summer season. While each region has its own specialties, these are some of the most iconic Arctic species:
Beluga Whales – Known as “sea canaries” for their chirping vocalizations, belugas are small, white, highly social whales that travel in pods. They’re often spotted in Alaska, northern Canada, and around Svalbard.
Bowhead Whales – True Arctic specialists that spend their entire lives in polar waters. They can live over 200 years and are sometimes seen near Greenland, Alaska’s northern coast, and Canada’s Baffin Bay.
Narwhals – The unicorns of the sea! Males have that famous spiral tusk, and while sightings are rare, dedicated expeditions to the high Arctic (like parts of Nunavut or Greenland) sometimes catch glimpses.
Humpback Whales – Found in both the Arctic and sub-Arctic, especially along coastal Alaska and Iceland. They migrate north each summer to feed, putting on spectacular breaching displays.
Orcas (Killer Whales) – These intelligent predators roam both the Arctic and Antarctic. As ice melts, they’ve been moving farther north, particularly around Norway and western Greenland.
🕊️Da Birds
But the Arctic isn’t just about mammals — it’s a birder’s paradise, too. Keep your eyes open for:
Snowy owls, ghostly white against the tundra.
Gyrfalcons, the world’s largest falcons, fierce and fast.
And puffins, those colorful, comical seabirds that nest along rugged northern cliffs and dive like torpedoes beneath icy waves.
Each summer, the Arctic becomes alive with unexpected wings as millions of migratory birds arrive to breed under the midnight sun.
🦭Da Other Guys
Other star players in the Arctic wildlife scene are walruses, those gentle giants of the sea, lounging together on ice floes and using their long tusks to haul out of the water. On land, you might glimpse an Arctic fox, changing from brown to snow-white as the seasons shift, or a herd of caribou (reindeer) migrating across tundra landscapes that seem to stretch forever.
And just when you think you’ve seen it all, journey south and the scene changes entirely.
The Antarctic: A Kingdom of Ice and Feathers
At the planet’s southern end lies the Antarctic, a place so remote that even the air feels different — crisp, silent, and full of awe. There are no polar bears here, but the wildlife that does exist feels straight out of a dream.
The stars of the show are, of course, penguins. You’ll find towering emperor penguins, charming Adélies, sleek Gentoos, and noisy chinstraps, each colony buzzing with life and personality.
The surrounding seas are alive with whales — orcas and humpbacks are frequent visitors — and seals, from the gentle Weddell to the striking leopard seal.
But perhaps the most surprising part of the Antarctic is its birdlife beyond penguins.
Snow petrels, pure white and delicate, nest on rocky outcrops surrounded by glaciers.
South Polar skuas, bold and clever, often steal food midair (or right from an unsuspecting penguin).
And Antarctic sheathbills, the only land-based birds on the continent, scurry around like icy pigeons — endearing in their own odd way.
For travelers, most Antarctic adventures begin from Ushuaia, Argentina, sailing through the Drake Passage to reach the White Continent. Expedition ships here are typically small, eco-focused, and led by naturalists who prioritize both education and conservation.
Pro tip: If you’ve looked around our site, you might have noticed that we partner with both Viking and Quark Expeditions for Antarctic travel experiences.
How Travel Impacts Polar Conservation
Travel to these fragile regions can be a double-edged sword. Done carelessly, it can disturb wildlife and contribute to the very problems these ecosystems face. But done thoughtfully, travel can also be a force for good.
Here’s how responsible travel helps:
Awareness and education: Seeing these places firsthand often transforms travelers into advocates for protecting them.
Economic support: Many expedition companies directly fund conservation programs, research, and local communities that depend on eco-tourism.
Controlled access: Strict visitor limits and environmental guidelines (especially through organizations like IAATO in Antarctica) help minimize human impact.
But it’s equally important to recognize how travel can harm if not approached carefully:
Getting too close to animals can cause stress or alter their behavior.
Irresponsible operators may leave waste, fuel, or pollution behind.
Every flight and ship journey adds carbon emissions, contributing to the warming that threatens these icy worlds.
When you choose an expedition, look for operators with sustainability certifications, small group sizes, and a strong conservation mission. The best experiences not only protect the wildlife but deepen your understanding of why it matters.
As visitors, we become part of these fragile ecosystems and the way we travel matters.
When to See Polar Wildlife
Timing your visit makes all the difference for wildlife sightings at the poles and in Alaska. Here’s a quick seasonal guide:
Arctic
May–August: Peak season for birds, walruses, whales, and polar bears. The midnight sun brings open seas, ice floes, and tons of life.
September: A quieter, moodier time as ice begins to reform; perfect for photographers seeking dramatic light and fewer crowds.
Winter: Limited travel options but amazing Northern Lights viewing from Arctic-adjacent regions like Norway and northern Canada.
Antarctic
November–March: The only time the region is accessible.
November–December: Penguins court and nest; pristine snow and ice.
January–February: Penguin chicks hatch; whales arrive in huge numbers.
March: Late-season trips offer stunning sunsets and active whales.
Alaska
May–September: Peak wildlife season.
May–June: Great for migratory birds, moose, and early bears.
July–August: The best time for brown bears, whales, and salmon runs.
September: Fall colors and a chance to see bears fattening up for winter.
Shared Challenges, Shared Hope
The Arctic and Antarctic are changing faster than any other regions on Earth. Melting ice is shrinking habitats, shifting migration patterns, and forcing animals to adapt in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
But there’s hope, and it often begins with connection. Every person who stands on a deck watching a humpback breach, or locks eyes with a polar bear across an expanse of ice, becomes part of a growing community that wants to preserve these wonders.
Travel can be the spark that lights that fire.
Why Polar Wildlife Captures Our Hearts
Whether it’s the haunting call of a snow petrel echoing over Antarctic cliffs or the silent grace of a polar bear crossing sea ice at dawn, these moments remind us that magic still exists at the edges of the world.
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing polar wildlife up close, feeling the chill of the ice, hearing the crackle of frozen sea, or watching creatures that thrive where few can survive, I’d love to help you get there. At Wayward Wings Travel, I specialize in creating polar and wildlife journeys that are as responsible as they are unforgettable. Together, we can plan an adventure that lets you experience the wonder of these icy worlds while protecting them for generations to come.
The poles remind us how small we are — and how much beauty there is left to protect. If that calls to you too, let’s start planning your polar adventure.
Yours in flight,
Tianna
